Happy Birthday Donald Duck: Celebrating 90 Years of Adventures and Smiles
On June 9, the world of animation celebrates the 90th anniversary of the beloved character Donald Duck. Created by Walt Disney, this emblematic character officially debuted on screens in 1934, in the short film “Wise Gainusa”. However, Donald was mentioned for the first time in 1931, in a book of stories.
Donald Duck is a white anthropomorphic duck with an orange beak and feet. He usually wears a shirt and a sailor hat, but no pants, except when he goes swimming. Characterized by a volcanic temperament and a speech difficult to understand, Donald quickly became one of the favorite characters of the public.
One of the reasons for the creation of Donald Duck was Walt Disney’s desire to bring a new hero who was different in temperament from Mickey Mouse, whose popularity had begun to decline at the time. Thus, Donald was conceived as an irascible and unlucky character, often caught in comical and frustrating situations.
Its popularity has grown exponentially over the years. In 1943, Donald won an Oscar for best animated short with the film “Der Fuhrer’s Girl”. Also, in 1958, Donald had the honor of being one of the hosts of the Oscars. These achievements demonstrate his cultural impact and success in the world of animation.
After the Second World War, Donald Duck continued to be a successful character, receiving more and more roles and becoming one of the main stars of the Disney company. In 2004, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, joining other iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and Kermit the Frog.
During his career, Donald appeared in almost two hundred films and became one of the most published comic book characters in the world. His cheerful nature and his unmistakable speech continue to be a magnet for the public, attracting fans of all ages.
Off the screen, Donald Duck is also known as a party character who knows how to enjoy life. Often portrayed in comics and short films as enthusiastic and ready to have fun, Donald does not hesitate to drink and have a good time with his friends. This jovial side adds an additional dimension to his personality and makes him even more beloved by the public.
Today, June 9, is declared National Donald Duck Day in the United States, a proof of the love and appreciation enjoyed by this character. 90 years after his debut, Donald Duck remains a central figure in pop culture and a symbol of the joy and nostalgia of childhood.
Whether we remember Donald’s funny moments from childhood or discover him for the first time, this character continues to bring joy and laughter to our lives.
Happy Birthday, Donald Duck, We’re celebrating your 90th birthday and toasting you with a glass of wine!